running my own propane line?

[4570Man]

First off the chance of a leaking tank ever actually blowing up is slim. The mixture for that to happen is slim. It’s not like the movies where gas and spark is a guaranteed explosion. Second you can smell propane in volumes way less than what’s required for explosion. Third, it’s a pretty simple project. If it’s his first plumbing project may he should pass, but anyone that knows what they’re doing can easily and safely complete this project.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^
You are right. However,Call it cheap insurance but I still will pass on keeping a propane tank inside. I have seen a few instances when places did catch fire with disastrous results.

Propane is heavier than air, so will collect in low spots if there is a leak.

 

[BoylermanCT]

I live in CT, and in my town, and according to town code, homeowners can install glass or electrical, plumbing, fire protection sprinkler systems, solar, heating, piping, cooling and sheet metal equipment as long as the work is inspected. I would call your local building inspector. You want it done right. I am also a member of my town's fire dept, and we see more fires because people did it themselves and did it wrong. The inspection process is there to protect you, your family and the next family who lives in your house.

 

[shooterdon]

I am a believer in having permits and inspections when they are needed.

Your insurance company may be interested in those things as well.

 

[BoylermanCT]

I am a believer in having permits and inspections when they are needed.

Your insurance company may be interested in those things as well.

Very good point. Last month we had a house in town burn down and their insurance is not covering it because the wood stove which started the fire was not permitted. Its not worth saving a couple hundred bucks only to lose a couple hundred thousand. I hate permits as much as the next guy, but the risk is not worth it.

 

[kenmac]

First off the chance of a leaking tank ever actually blowing up is slim. The mixture for that to happen is slim. Itç—´ not like the movies where gas and spark is a guaranteed explosion. Second you can smell propane in volumes way less than whatç—´ required for explosion. Third, itç—´ a pretty simple project. If itç—´ his first plumbing project may he should pass, but anyone that knows what theyæ±*e doing can easily and safely complete this project.

LEL & UEL of different gasses

https://www.mathesongas.com/pdfs/products/Lower-(LEL)-&-Upper-(UEL)-Explosive-Limits-.pdf

propane ..... 2.1% LEL gas & air mixture to 9.5% UEL

vs nat gas ...4% LEL gas & air mixture to 14% for UEL

 

[Tractor Seabee]

You will probably own your tank so no need to even talk to the propane company. The person to ask is your local code enforcement officer. Once you get it hooked up check all of your connections with soapy water, watching each joint carefully for bubbles.

If you are out in the sticks permit requirement or not go ahead and do it. In urban/suburban areas almost all jurisdictions have a code and permit process. If you plan to DIY the line w/o getting a permit never talk to the code enforcers, they will be there checking you out on a surprise visit. I made that mistake once on an electrical job and it cost me the permit fee plus a healthy fine and a nit picking inspector that cost me more $. He made 3 inspections and always found something he missed the last time. We both were unhappy.

Ron

 

[Diggin It]

and a nit picking inspector that cost me more $. He made 3 inspections and always found something he missed the last time. We both were unhappy.

That was the Palm Grease. A generous application would have made him happy even if it didn't make you happy.

 

[MattEffinCameron]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, I will make some calls today.

I live in a more rural part of CT, but I will still check with the building inspector to see what he says. We completed a renovation a few years ago and he was easy to work with...

We have a 200lb tank on the house that gets serviced. It was there when we moved in and is only used for the range. Its probably a 50-60' run across our back yard to the barn so I was thinking it would be cheaper/easier to just throw a 100lb tank out there that I could bring somewhere for refills.

Depending on the cost to run the gas line my run could be as short as like 10' or maybe be as long as 20'...I have a couple different concrete pads outside the barn I could put it on. And its an unfinished post and beam barn so its not like we're dealing with drywall or insulation or anything...

At the very least I guess I am hoping I can run the line from point A to point B so if I have to pay a licensed installed they are just making a few connections and it shouldnt be too much$$ ? We shall see!

 

[Tractor Seabee]

That was the Palm Grease. A generous application would have made him happy even if it didn't make you happy.

I refuse to contribute/foster public official delinquency . Reinforces my habit of not getting permits. The urban legend around here is inspectors do not like homeowners doing their own work so they create stumbling blocks to drive the work to their contractors. Their favorite contractors get sign offs w/o an actual inspection. Happened here when I had a contractor replace my furnace. Magically the permit had a signature. For occupied homes the permit is posted on an outside wall.

Ron